Raul Perez La Vizcaina El Rapolao Bierzo 2023

Raul Perez La Vizcaina El Rapolao Bierzo 

Region: Bierzo, Castilla y León,Spain

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape: Mencia, Bastardo, Garnacha Tintorer

ABV: 13.5%

A stunning wine of great complexity. On the nose intense aromas of brooding dark fruits are married with a subtle spiciness. Structured yet vibrant on the palate with a savoury depth and an exceptionally long finish. This is a wine built to age.

‘El Rapolao’ is a prime vineyard site, often referred to as Valtuille de Abajo’s Grand Cru. The 1.5-hectare plot sits at 550 metres above sea level, on predominantly clay soils. A field blend of Mencía, Bastardo (aka Trousseau) and Garnacha Tintorera, the oldest vines were planted in 1920 and are over 100 years old. The vineyard is farmed following organic and sustainable practices and all of the grapes are hand harvested.

Upon arrival at the winery, fermentation takes place in used oak vats with indigenous yeasts and 100% whole-bunch. Only very gentle extraction techniques are used, with no punch-downs or pump-overs. Following fermentation and a 40-day maceration on the skins, the wine is racked off and aged in used, 500-litre, French oak foudres for 11 months before bottling

Raúl Pérez has played a pivotal role in Spain’s vinous revolution. Widely considered to be one of the world’s most fascinating, talented and restless winemakers, he has inspired a new generation of winemakers in Bierzo and beyond. While Raúl is involved in many projects across Spain and abroad, his home remains Valtuille de Abajo, the Bierzo village where he was born and raised. His family have a long-standing tradition of grape growing in the region, dating back to the 1750s. After studying oenology, Raúl spent several years working at his family winery, Castro Ventosa, before striking out on his own in 2005. He has worked tirelessly to preserve Bierzo’s viticultural heritage, developing an unparalleled understanding of the region, its vineyards and indigenous varieties.